U.S. patent number 9,726,394 [Application Number 13/899,478] was granted by the patent office on 2017-08-08 for under cabinet air ducting kit.
The grantee listed for this patent is James Buchanan. Invention is credited to James Buchanan.
United States Patent |
9,726,394 |
Buchanan |
August 8, 2017 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Under cabinet air ducting kit
Abstract
This invention provides a under cabinet ducting kit comprising
an under cabinet supply cover; at least two oval collars, wherein a
first oval collar is connected to the under cabinet supply cover at
a first end; a flexible duct hose, wherein a first end of the
flexible duct hose is connected to the first oval collar at a
second end, and wherein a second end of the flexible duct hose is
connected to a first end of a second oval collar; a toe kick backer
plate, wherein a second end of the second oval collar is connected
the toe kick backer plate; and at least two metal band straps,
wherein the metal band straps attach the flexible duct hose to each
of the first and the second oval collars.
Inventors: |
Buchanan; James (Lyndeborough,
NH) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Buchanan; James |
Lyndeborough |
NH |
US |
|
|
Family
ID: |
51934575 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/899,478 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2013 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20140345737 A1 |
Nov 27, 2014 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F
13/0218 (20130101); F24F 13/0209 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F24F
13/02 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;454/21,246
;138/109 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Tompkins; Alissa
Assistant Examiner: Hamilton; Frances F
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Duane Morris LLP
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A ducting kit for installation underneath a cabinet comprising:
a supply cover sized to be installed underneath the cabinet and
adjacent to a toe kick of the cabinet, wherein the supply cover
comprises a top side, a plurality of side walls comprising at least
four side walls connected to, and orthogonal to the top side, the
four side walls connected to each other and including a first side,
a second side, a third side and a fourth side, each side wall
having a bottom edge opposite the top side, and a plurality of
floor-attaching flanges wherein one of the plurality of
floor-attaching flanges is attached to the bottom edge of each of
the four side walls; wherein a first flange of the plurality of
floor-attaching flanges is located along the first side of the
supply cover, a second flange of the plurality of floor-attaching
flanges is located along the second side of the supply cover, a
third flange of the plurality of floor-attaching flanges is located
along the third side of the supply cover, and a fourth flange of
the plurality of floor-attaching flanges is located along the
fourth side of the supply cover, the first and second sides of the
supply cover being located between the third and fourth sides of
the supply cover, each of the first and the second flanges having a
curved edge for covering a circular hole in a floor, and the supply
cover further defines an oval cutout hole in a wall of one of the
first and second sides; at least two oval collars, wherein at a
first end of a first oval collar, the first oval collar is to be
connected to the supply cover at the oval cutout hole in the wall
of one of the first and second sides, and the first end of the
first oval collar comprises a curved flange sized to join with an
edge of the oval cutout hole; and wherein at a second end of a
second oval collar, the second oval collar comprises a curved
flange; a flexible duct hose, wherein a first end of the flexible
duct hose is to be connected to the first oval collar at a second
end of the first oval collar, wherein a second end of the flexible
duct hose is to be connected to a first end of a second oval collar
of the at least two oval collars; a toe kick backer plate sized to
be installed in the toe kick of the cabinet, wherein the toe kick
backer plate defines an oval cutout hole, the toe kick backer plate
is to be connected to, the curved flange of the second end of the
second oval collar, the second oval collar is sized to be joined
with an edge of the oval cutout hole defined by the toe kick backer
plate; and at least two band straps, wherein the band straps are to
attach the flexible duct hose to each of the first and the second
oval collars; wherein the supply cover and the toe kick backer
plate are sized to be installed separate from each other by the at
least two oval collars and the flexible duct hose; and wherein the
toe kick backer plate comprises a plurality of finger tabs, each of
the plurality of finger tabs defining a curved aperture, each of
the plurality of finger tabs being bendable relative to the toe
kick backer plate.
2. The ducting kit of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of
floor-attaching flanges is bendable in a direction away from each
other and parallel to a cabinet floor.
3. The ducting kit of claim 1 wherein the oval cutout hole of the
supply cover is sized to fit the first end of the first oval collar
by a sliding connection with the first oval collar curved
flange.
4. The ducting kit of claim 1 wherein the curved flange on the
first end of the first oval collar and the curved flange end on
second end of the second oval collar extends outwardly from and
circumferentially about each of the respective first and second
ends thereof.
5. The ducting kit of claim 1 wherein the oval cut-out hole defined
by the toe kick backer plate is sized to fit the flange on the
second end of the second oval collar.
6. The ducting kit of claim 1 wherein the first and the second oval
collars are connected to each other by the flexible duct hose when
installed.
7. The ducting kit of claim 1 wherein the first oval collar, the
flexible duct hose, and the second oval collar are sized to be
connected along a central axis.
8. The ducting kit of claim 1, wherein the toe kick backer plate is
made of sheet metal with two D-shaped finger tabs, the finger tabs
located laterally of the oval cut-out hole, and each of the two
finger tabs is bendable to enable installation.
9. A system installed underneath a cabinet comprising: a supply
cover sized to be installed underneath the cabinet and adjacent to
a toe kick of the cabinet, wherein the supply cover comprises a top
side, four side walls connected to, and orthogonal to the top side,
the four side walls connected to each other and including a first
side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side, each side wall
having a bottom edge opposite the top side, and a plurality of
floor-attaching flanges wherein each side wall bottom edge
comprises one of a plurality of floor-attaching flanges; wherein a
first flange of the plurality of floor-attaching flanges is located
along the first side of the supply cover, a second flange of the
plurality of floor-attaching flanges is located along the second
side of the supply cover, a third flange of the plurality of
floor-attaching flanges is located along the third side of the
supply cover, and a fourth flange of the plurality of
floor-attaching flanges is located along the fourth side of the
supply cover, the first and second sides of the supply cover being
located between the third and fourth sides of the supply cover,
each of the first and the second flanges having a curved edge for
covering a circular hole in a floor, and the supply cover further
defines an oval cutout hole in a wall of one of the first and
second sides; at least two oval collars, wherein a first oval
collar is connected to the supply cover at a first end of the first
oval collar, wherein the first end of the first oval collar
comprises a curved flange that slidingly receives an edge of the
oval cutout hole defined by the supply cover and wherein a second
end of a second oval collar comprises a curved flange; a flexible
duct hose, wherein a first end of the flexible duct hose is
connected to the first oval collar at a second end of the first
oval collar, wherein a second end of the flexible duct hose is
connected to a first end of the second oval collar; a toe kick
backer plate installed in the toe kick of the cabinet, wherein the
toe kick backer plate defines an oval cutout hole, wherein the toe
kick backer plate is connected to the second end of the second oval
collar, that comprises the curved flange, the curved flange
slidingly receives an edge of the oval cutout hole defined by the
toe kick backer plate; and at least two band straps, wherein the
band straps attach the flexible duct hose to each of the first and
the second oval collars; wherein the supply cover and the toe kick
backer plate are separated from each other by the two oval collars
and the flexible duct hose, and wherein the toe kick backer plate
comprises a plurality of finger tabs formed within the toe kick
backer plate, and each of the plurality of finger tabs being
bendable relative to the toe kick backer plate.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein each of the plurality of
floor-attaching flanges is bendable in a direction away from each
other and parallel to a cabinet floor.
11. The system of claim 9 wherein the curved flange on the first
end of the first oval collar and the curved flange on the second
end of the second oval collar extends outwardly from and
circumferentially about each of the respective first and second
ends thereof.
12. The system of claim 9 wherein the first and the second oval
collars are connected to each other by the flexible duct hose when
installed.
13. The system of claim 9 wherein the first oval collar, the
flexible duct hose, and the second oval collar are connected along
a central axis.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to air duct systems. More specifically, the
invention relates to a under cabinet air ducting kit.
BACKGROUND
Central heating and cooling systems use an air distribution or duct
system to circulate heated or cooled air to all the conditioned
rooms in a house. The efficiency of this distribution system
depends on how well the ducts are sealed.
Duct systems that leak and/or do not distribute air properly
throughout the home may increase heating/cooling cost and may draw
dust, humidity and mold spores or other contaminants into the
home.
Floor cabinets are raised slightly to create a small step-back
space under the cabinet. This space is the toe kick, and it is
designed to allow people to stand close to the cabinet. Toe kicks
are especially common in kitchens, but they are also used
underneath bathroom vanities, or with other types of custom
cabinetry.
Many people utilize the toe kick without being aware of it. The
toes slide into the toe kick opening automatically, and without a
toe kick, people would be forced to stand in awkward positions at
the counter. This can strain the neck and back, in addition to
making people uncomfortable. Toe kicks allow people to balance in a
comfortable position for working at the kitchen counter.
Standard toe kicks are around four and a half inches in depth and
height. The toe kick is used to conceal the vent for a heating and
cooling system, and the cut out hole is designed for the vent, and
to fit the screen or register plate. This space under the cabinet
is a wasted area and leaves enough room for dust to collect.
Installers use the cabinet base as a duct with just a toe kick
register, to release the heat/air conditioning. It is an acceptable
method, but it creates a heat loss by heating up the cabinet and
its contents. The cabinet absorbs the heat and does not release
most of it, which wastes energy. Another problem by blowing air
under the cabinet is the dust and mold it creates. This is not
acceptable for air quality or considered healthy.
Another problem with the existing way of ducting the toe kick is
the new Energy Compliance Codes. Some towns require that a "Duct
Pressure Test" be performed, which is not an easy test to pass
considering it is extremely difficult to seal underneath the
cabinet.
SUMMARY
This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by
providing a ducting kit for under a cabinet that provides the
maximum air flow into the room. The present invention provides a
tight connection between the toe kick and the floor boot in order
prevent mold and dust buildup. The present invention also prevents
wasting energy by heating up the cabinet and its contents.
Additionally, the present invention also provides a toe kick
ducting system that is easy to install for both the professional
and the do it yourself homeowner. The present invention further
provides a toe kick ducting system that may be used to retrofit
kitchen cabinets in new and existing homes. The present invention
also provides a toe kick ducting system that provides the
transition from duct to register for efficient circulation of
airflow.
The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive
and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be
apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the
drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted
that the language used in the specification has been principally
selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to
limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention description below refers to the accompanying
drawings, of which:
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the toe kick ducting system.
FIG. 2A is an isometric, exploded view of the ducting system shown
in FIG. 1.
FIG. 2B depicts the ducting system of FIG. 2A with a cabinet
above.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring to FIG. 1, the under cabinet supply cover 1 is
12''.times.4''.times.33/4'' with four (4) flanges 7, one on the
left, one on the right, one on the top, and one on the bottom. The
front and back flanges start at 1'' on either end and curve
slightly like a bell curve, bringing the radius curve to 13/4'' in
the middle. These flanges 7 are 12'' long. On the front side of the
supply cover is an oval cut out for an oval collar that is
dimensioned to be connected to one of the sides of the cabinet
supply cover 1, i.e., one of the sides described above as being
33/4'' or 4''.
One end of a first oval collar 2 is connected to the under cabinet
supply cover 1. This allows a flex duct hose 3 to be connected to
the other end of the first oval collar. The other end of flex duct
hose 3, which is 24'' long, is attached to a second oval collar 2.
Two metal band clamps 5 are designed to tightly attach the flex
duct hose 3 to both the first and second oval collars 2.
Second oval collar 2 is attached to a toe kick backer plate 4. The
toe kick backer plate 4 is attached to a cabinet base at the toe
kick. The toe kick backer plate 4 has two tabs cut into the face of
the plate, one on the left and one on the right. These tabs are
simply bent onto the cabinet toe kick and secured with 2
screws.
There are different ways to seal the under cabinet supply cover 1
over the supply boot that is under the cabinet, including but not
limited to a gasket, caulking, duct sealer, and/or glue adhesive.
The under cabinet supply cover may be nailed or screwed to the
floor.
Oval collar 2 has a tamping flange 6 to secure it to both the under
cabinet supply cover 1 and the toe kick backer plate 4, this type
of flange being capable of forming a sliding connection between the
oval collar and the cover 1 or plate 4. Another way this may be
done is by using dovetails or by creating a flange that can be
screwed to both the under cabinet supply cover 1 and the toe kick
backer plate 4.
Flexible duct hose 3 is made of foil. There are other flexible duct
products, some more rigid, some are made of plastic. Flexible duct
hose 3 is attached to oval collar 2 with metal straps 5. Hose
clamps, tie bands, plastic ties, wire or tape may also be used.
The toe kick backer plate 4 is made of sheet metal with two finger
tabs that are simply bent over the toe kick, then screwed into
place. Toe kick backer plate 4 may also be attached simply by
screwing straight through the toe kick into the toe kick backer
plate 4.
The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrative
embodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions
can be made without departing from the spirit and scope if this
invention. Each of the various embodiments described above may be
combined with other described embodiments in order to provide
multiple features. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a
number of separate embodiments of the apparatus and method of the
present invention, what has been described herein is merely
illustrative of the application of the principles of the present
invention. Accordingly, this description is meant to be taken only
by way of example, and not to otherwise limit the scope of this
invention.
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